Faizel Patel, Radio Islam News – 03-09-2019
Gauteng police have appealed to journalists to assist them in condemning and dispelling the relentless and mischievous circulation of fake news on social media that seem to only advance criminality.
According to police, most of the text messages, videos and pictures being circulated on various social media platforms including WhatsApp, Twitter and Facebook are fake or old.
On Tuesday a message circulated on WhatsApp about wide scale looting and violence caused unnecessary panic resulting in traffic congestion and shops in the Lenasia CBD and Signet Terrace shopping centre closing early.
The police Mathapelo Peters says social media users are urged to utilize the various SAPS social media platforms as well their website to get factual updates and to verify information.
“There is currently news on social media purporting that seventeen children from Lungisani Primary School in Katlehong have been abducted by foreign nationals. Police can confirm that this is absolutely untrue and that this and other similar stories and visuals on social media only seek to perpetuate intolerance amongst residents to instill fear and spread further violence.”
Peters says police have heighted visibility in Katlehong and other areas of the province and will remain on high alert until stability is restored.
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